There used to be a time when
I was ashamed of my skin.
I received tormenting jokes
from all of my friends.

Of course it wasn't done
to make me feel this way
But being black gave me much dismay.

"African, charcoal, Black Baby",
I would hear
But no one even noticed or knew
That I had silent tears.

Those names became nicknames and
I'd hear them everyday at school
‘Cause when I was young and growing up
I'd play by my peers rules.

One day when I was still young
My father left us all
And married a white woman
Who beckoned his every call.

I was really ashamed of my skin then,
I thought it was very bad,
I thought the white woman had something
Which I could never have.

But one day when I was still young
I met a black lady darker than I was,
She cherished and boasted that her
Color was a gift from above.

She told me that I was beautiful -
Something no one had ever done.
She said, "your skin is
So black and smooth-
Which shows the perfecting of the sun".

She said, "To match the pretty black skin
Your teeth are white as snow
And I'm sure that you will show them
Everywhere that you go".

Everyday she would tell me this
And her words began to spread.
They came from other people
I never even met.

The words of my friends changed to,
"Let me feel your face
And let me see you grin"-
For sister, you are beautiful-
Be proud of the color of your skin.

Now, I'm not ashamed of my skin
Though obstacles it may bring.
I proclaim to the world that I am
A Black Woman, the element of spring.

I blossom with happiness
And pride within myself
For I am A Black Woman
And I wish to be nothing else.

I have witnessed firsthand the life-changing affects that this poem has had on countless women across the globe. It was one of my earlier pieces, which has become a signature poem for me. Those who recognize the true power of poetry will see that the poem is addressing more than the surface or "color of my skin". It is about how we use the power of our tongues. Will we build up or will we tear down?

As a young girl in school I was teased because I had hardly any hair. For years I thought that made me ugly, unloved, undeserving. But one day I realized/learned that I was destined to be the unique beauty that I am so the world can take me or leave me but they can't take what God gave me. God gave me Love, Peace, Joy, and an opportunity to show everyone that I'm special, important and unique because I am HIS and he chose me to stand out. So embrace all that you are and stand out.

It is a great thing to be a Black Woman, be proud of who you are, regardless of the names and choices that people make. Wonderful piece of work and very deep heart felt piece. Thank you for sharing this piece with us.

Afrika M.A.Abney aka Ashawarrior
Author of Dancers in the Wind and Voices of Tomorrow

Re: A black woman nothing else - interesting,
hmmm... I don't know, I always felt ugly in my pallor; my grand-daughter is bi-racial, but knows she is beautiful - I think perhaps it was that no one worked to build your self-esteem. I'm an artist-what's a world without color and shades and hues?

you go, girl!! hun, be proud of your heritage!! love, your friend, karen lynn. p.s.: one of best friends in school was african-american, and she was so sweet; i just loved her, and it didn't matter to me what color she was! she treated me as a person, and i loved her for that!

Reviewed by fare good (Reader)

You go girl no valadation needed, you are a queen. and beautiful, sister to a sister.

Beautiful through and through - by way of photographs & poetry. I admire your strength.

Reviewed by mary

Thank you for sharing your heart.
Why cannot people see the person? I am glad you wrote this for the world to learn from Martin Luther Kings words "it is not the color of the skin but character"!
God made all skin tones and everything that God makes is beautiful. Some people don't like their white skin because it is not the right shade...too white too something!
God Bless You
mary